Once you've set that up, it's very easy to drop in on your friends, family, or home. If you want to drop in on your device, simply say: 'Alexa, drop in [insert device name]'.

Here's how to set up Alexa drop in on your Amazon Echo, as well as details on how it works, how to block drop in, and how to drop in on friends, family, and your home.

Connect to Alexa by downloading the app The first step to setting up Alexa is to download the app for Android or iPhone. The first time you sign into Alexa, it’ll ask for your Amazon credentials.

You can activate Drop In on all your Echo devices and with Alexa contacts. When you use the feature to drop in on an echo device, it establishes a two-way connection.

Naturally, there are some critical privacy implications to be aware of here, and Alexa Drop In can only be set up with the permission of the person intended to be dropped in on.

Drop In should be set up by default but to make sure it's on go to Settings. Then pick a speaker from the list and under General it should tell you that Drop In is turned on.

Learn how to set up your Amazon Echo and get started with Alexa. We show you how to customize and make the most of voice commands.

Set up your Alexa for an emergency If you have an Alexa device, you know how convenient it can make life despite the obvious privacy issues that come along with an open microphone inside your home.

Echo smart speakers are pretty simple to set up and customize, provided you have an internet connection and the right app. Here's how to have Alexa doing your bidding in no time.